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Monday, June 11, 2012

Report: Sabres interested in Penguins' Jordan Staal

Lyle Richardson of The Hockey News talks about all the rumors sourounding Pittsburgh Penguins Jordan Staal. In his blog he mentions an article by Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch.

The Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch mentioned Staal among his “top five pre-draft trade possibilities,” and listed the Buffalo Sabres and St. Louis Blues among the interested teams.

Garrioch mentions the St. Louis Blues and Buffalo Sabres as two teams interested in acquiring Staal.

3. Jordan Staal, C, Pittsburgh: This guy would attract plenty of attention. He is the best third-line centre in the league.

The Penguins are going to have to clear cash if they’re going to keep this team together. That could mean moving out a player like Staal because Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin aren’t going anywhere.

Several teams would like to make a pitch for Staal — including the Buffalo Sabres and St. Louis Blues. The Sabres want to get bigger in the middle, which is why Derek Roy has been made available.

Lets face it, Lindy Ruff would love to have a dynamic two-way forward. But, is he the top line center that the Sabres want.?
Staal has been playing behind two superstars in Pittsburgh, Evgeni Malkin and Sydney Crosby. He does however play against teams top lines every night, so that's a plus. But if the Sabres do acquire him and play him with Vanek or even Pominville, will he put up great numbers.?

(Thanks to NHL.com for Stats)
As you can see from comparing the stats in Regular Season, Jordan Staal was better. Staal is also better defensively and he is consistent, unlike someone we all know, Derek Roy.
Now the problem we run into is the Fact that the Penguins will not take Derek Roy, the only reason they may trade Staal is for cap purposes. So, we now have to look at giving up a first round pick, which the Sabres have. They will also need to trade away some prospects.
I wouldn't mind if the Sabres traded d-man Mark Pysyk, center Luke Adam and Nashville's first rounder. But then again wouldn't that be a lot for a player that may only play in Buffalo for one year.?
I guess only time will tell, we all know the Sabres are looking to make a big move and Jordan Staal could be the player we need in Buffalo.